These yoga schools are some of the best India has to offer

Forget working out in the gym or Pilates, these days everybody’s jumping on the yoga bandwagon. While on one hand it’s wonderful that more people are appreciating our own ancient science, yoga is also becoming more commercial and aerobic. That said, every class must be judged by how you feel afterwards—if you feel great after a not-so-traditional sequence, fabulous, because it works for you. But if you’re on the lookout for some of the better schools in the country, here are some that are tried and tested.

The Yoga Studio, New DelhiOpen seven days a week, this studio offers classes in traditional ashtanga, vinyasa, pre-natal, yin and moon sequence. The founder Seema Sondhi is one of India’s best yoga teachers and has written several books on the subject. Sondhi’s strength lies in the fact that she isn’t rigid in one particular style and sometimes mixes Iyengar alignments into her vinyasa classes because they would suit her students better. She also runs several teacher training courses including a 300-hour, yin yoga and pre-natal TTC (Teachers’ Training Course), which attracts students from all over the world. Theyogastudio.info

Yogacara, MumbaiSituated in two centres in Bandra West and Mahalaxmi, this is more than just a yoga studio. Not only does the centre have regular yoga classes all day, it also offers therapeutic massages and ayurvedic consultations. Unlike other studios that only focus on yoga as a workout, here you can join meditation and pranayama classes, thereby deepening your practice. The studio offers traditional hatha, Iyengar and flow classes. Yogacara.in

Prana Vashya, MysoreOkay, okay, forgive me for suggesting something than other than Guruji Pattabhi Jois’ KPJAYI institute in Mysore. But for those of who are tired of the long waiting list, try Prana Vashya. The founder Vinay Kumar is a yoga champion, who has won many state and national level awards for his practice. The hollow back he demonstrates in the holding image of his website is a testament to his practice. While Kumar also has his own intense sequence of 62 poses, he is best known as a back bending expert. Most students go to practice the traditional ashtanga sequence with Sharath Jois in the morning and go for Kumar’s backhanding classes in the evening. However, only serious yogis must apply—as you must join at least for a month. Pranavashya.com

Yoga Bones, GoaRolf and Marcie Naujokat runs one the best and least-known yoga schools in the country. The couple can open up your body within weeks of practice, and while Marcie is known for her direct style, Rolf is soft, but by no means an easy teacher. Classes start as early at 4:30am and attract some of the most advanced practitioners in the world. That said, you don’t have to be a Level 3 ashtangi to apply. If you’re serious about your practice and want to take it up to another level, this is the place to be. Yogabones.org

Tattvaa Yoga, RishikeshWhether you want a basic or advanced teacher training course, or a simple yoga retreat, Tattva is one of the better known schools in Rishikesh. The school is popular because of the very young Yogi Kamal Singh who is known for his powerful adjustments in poses. Equally loved is the philosophy teacher Sunil Sharma who has also studied psychology as a subject. The good part about this school is that it offers TTC (Teachers’ Training Courses) in various styles of yoga and pranayama too. However, if you have been to Mysore you may find the Rishikesh style of teaching a bit different. Tattvaayoga.com

Vasudha Rai is a certified yoga teacher and has been writing on beauty, health and wellness for 15 years. Find her at Vbeauty.co